. >> reporter: new york city, april 30, 1789. the inaugural inaugural. george washington places his hand on a bible and takes the oath of office as the president of the united states. four future presidents would take the oath on that same bible. >> i dwight d. eisenhower jimmy carter do solemnly swear >> i george herbert walker bush reporter: today you can see that bible at federal hall in new york city, the site of that first swearing-in. to think that his hand touched that. >> yes and not only that, his lips actually kissed the pages in that book >> reporter: national park service ranger ed pinelle says this bible was actually an afterthought. >> everything is prepared for the event. soldiers were in their best uniform. the city officials were in place to receive him. they come to a point where they're about to give the oath. and there's no bible. >> reporter: the nearest bible they could find from st. john's masonic lodge number one. yes, masonic as in free masons. a fraternal order known for charity, fellowship, and secrecy. 14 u.s. presidents were